When to Go

Costa Rica has two seasons -- the high season of December through April, which is dry, and the “green” season of May through November, which is rainy. Typically, during the rainy season, showers fall in the afternoons and mornings usually are sunny. There are more cruise ships visits to Costa Rica during the dry season.

The average temperature in Costa Rica is 72 degrees, and climates vary with elevations. Coastal regions -- like the lowlands of Guanacaste province, a popular spot for water sports -- tend to be hot throughout the year. Move inland and frost can be common at elevations of more than 9,800 feet. The highlands of Monteverde -- where people can walk across bridges through cloud forests -- are always misty and foggy.